Microsoft Edge isn't the most popular browser in the world. No, Google Chrome wears that crown, and has for some time. And then there's Firefox, which is upping its game with the new version codenamed Quantum. However, Edge beats both of them when it comes to stopping phishing attacks.

There are so many security threats online these days it's hard to keep track of them all. One of the most underhanded methods used by hackers is phishing. Which is where an innocent internet user is tricked into revealing sensitive information in an email or on a dodgy website. Employing common sense can help battle phishing attacks, but so can choosing the right web browser...

Edge Beats Chrome At Something

According to new research from NSS Labs [Broken URL Removed] (via MSPoweruser), Microsoft Edge is the best browser at detecting and deflecting phishing attacks. The cybersecurity company conducted its research over the course of 23 days, testing 36,120 separate instances across 1,136 suspicious URLs in Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Microsoft Edge came top, blocking a whopping 92.3% of the dodgy URLs. Google Chrome came second, blocking 74.6%. And Firefox came in third, blocking 61.1%. It was the same result for zero-hour phishing threats too, with Edge blocking 81.8%, Chrome blocking 58.6%, and Firefox blocking 50.7%.

Jason Brvenik, NSS Labs’ Chief Technology Officer, said:

"Web browsers are the primary interface used to consume information and are among the most common entry point for attackers. Enterprises are increasingly adopting a bifurcated browser strategy to reduce exposure to emerging threats."

"Our test findings provide valuable insights that empower informed decision making and help both enterprises and users minimize risk for a secure browser experience."

Unlike a lot of security threats which are tackled by your operating system or security software, phishing attacks are more reliant on a mix of common sense and your browser's ability to identify bogus URLs. NSS Labs actually noted that the OS didn't affect its results in any significant way. Which is bad news for fans of locked-down operating systems such as Chrome OS or Windows 10 S.

Some Welcome News for Microsoft

Phishing attacks are just one of the myriad of security threats we all face every day online, so you shouldn't choose a browser based entirely on its ability to detect and protect you from phishing attacks. However, the results of this research will come as welcome news to Microsoft. Especially as Chrome is often lauded as being the most secure web browser available right now.

Do you primarily use Microsoft Edge as your browser of choice? If so, why? What do you like about it? If not, which browser do you use instead? Does this research change anything? Have you ever fallen for a phishing attack? Please let us know in the comments below!